Job Description
As the Director Research and Development, you will be responsible for spearheading the company’s innovation strategy and new product pipeline that deliver competitiveness and growth. This role requires a seasoned professional with substantial experience across multiple geographies in the food industry. You will oversee the full lifecycle of product innovation, manage R&D timelines, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring excellence in execution and continuous improvement in product offerings.
Key Responsibilities:
- Innovation Strategy Development:
- Lead the development and execution of innovation strategies that align with the company’s overall business objectives.
- Identify opportunities for growth and product diversification by closely monitoring market trends, consumer insights, and emerging technologies.
- New Product & Service Development:
- Oversee the entire new product development (NPD) process, from ideation through to market launch, ensuring alignment with customer needs and business goals.
- Lead the renovation of existing product lines and ensure that the product portfolio remains relevant and competitive.
- Process Improvement:
- Continuously seek out opportunities to improve internal processes, driving efficiency and enhancing product quality.
- Establish improved ways of working across global cross-functional teams to streamline innovation activities and maintain a high standard of execution.
- Cross-functional Leadership & Collaboration:
- Collaborate with key stakeholders in Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and timely delivery of innovation projects.
- Work across multiple product categories, supporting the company’s expansion into new and existing markets.
- R&D Accountability & Stage-Gate Process:
- Lead the R&D function, ensuring accountability for project timelines and adherence to the stage-gate process.
- Triage and resolve issues arising from Operations, Quality, or Regulatory teams to maintain target deadlines, approving necessary extensions when required.
- Market Research & Trend Analysis:
- Conduct in-depth market research to identify key trends, opportunities, and consumer preferences that can shape the company’s innovation pipeline.
- Leverage insights to develop proactive, future-focused product proposals that drive long-term business growth.
- Team Leadership & Development:
- Build, coach, and develop a high-performing innovation team, ensuring functional and leadership capabilities are continuously enhanced.
- Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and collaboration within the team.
- Budget & Performance Management:
- Plan and manage the budget for innovation-related activities, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess innovation project success and make data-driven decisions.
- Risk Management:
- Identify potential risks in the innovation process and implement strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring smooth project execution.
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Engineering, Food Science, or a related field is required.
- Experience: Proven experience in leading innovation or R&D functions within the food industry, with a track record of launching impactful products and driving business growth.
- Skills:
- Deep understanding of the food production process, product innovation, and the stage-gate process.
- Strong leadership and team development skills, with the ability to manage and mentor teams across multiple geographies.
- Excellent project management abilities, from concept to commercialization.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
- Financial acumen with experience in managing budgets for R&D or innovation initiatives.
Managing expectations: “At Mindfield, we strive for exceptional results, and we achieve this by understanding the needs of both our clients and candidates. We ask that you take note of our “must-haves” to ensure a successful application process. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with you. Mindfield – making a difference.”